Current Job Title: Head of Parts
Location: Motus Commercials - West Midlands Region
When Joe joined Motus Commercials: 2017
Apprenticeship: Level 2 in Vehicle Parts / Level 3 Team Leading
Other roles whilst at Motus Commercials: Parts Van Driver, Parts Advisor, Parts Team Leader, Parts Sales Centre Manager
Joe's apprenticeship experience: When I was first asked to go onto an apprenticeship back in 2018, I was very apprehensive. Firstly, because I was already working the role which the apprenticeship had been made for, so I honestly thought, "Why should I have to do extra training and spend time away from home and family?" Secondly, at the age of 29, I felt as though I was far too old to be enrolled in an apprenticeship, as in my mind this type of training was for 16 – 24-year-olds.
I am very happy to say that my opinion changed dramatically. My apprenticeship helped me gain important knowledge and has aided in my progression within Motus Commercials. Along the way, I also met some incredible people and made lifelong connections too.
On top of this, my passion and drive to succeed for myself and the Motus increased tenfold and gave me the confidence I never knew I had.
Following this, I was promoted to Parts Team Leader and enrolled in the Team Leading L3 apprenticeship which I am due to complete at the end of Q1 2023.
This has certainly been a challenge, as 2022 was a tough year with various challenges throughout the business, which meant I was having to balance a busy work schedule with setting aside enough time to focus on my learning objectives.
There were indeed times when I thought about pulling out of the course, but I like to constantly remind myself, that embracing challenges and coming out the other end, will make you stronger, aid your development, and will pay dividends in the future. As I like to say, “Short-term pain, long-term gain!”
I am glad I stuck with the course, as over the last 12 months, I have gained valuable tools and knowledge, which I have applied in my everyday role. This has assisted with my progression into my new position as Head of Parts for the West Midlands Region.
Joe's future with Motus Commercials: With just a few months left to complete my apprenticeship, I have been offered and accepted a position as Head of Parts for the West Midlands Region. This is a position I’m honoured to be given and it has confirmed to me that over the last 5 years, all the hard work, determination, and persistence through challenging periods was worth it, and has been key in my progression from a Parts Delivery Driver to Head of Parts. My position now is something I could have only dreamed of at the beginning of this Journey.
Advice for apprenticeship ponderers: To anybody who may be in two minds about enrolling in an apprenticeship, my advice to you is to embrace any opportunity which has the potential to increase your knowledge and skill set. Apprenticeships establish a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and confidence and have the potential to open many doors in your future. I hope my journey shows you what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.
Good Luck!
